TRS6802 - Religions, Cultures and Complexities

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the contextual practice of various religious traditions, as lived in contemporary cultures and various socio-political landscapes;
demonstrate a critical assessment of the complex development of these religious traditions, including their multiform manifestations in the modern day;
demonstrate a critical understanding of the challenges posed by political and cultural contexts to the development and living-out of these religions in the modern world;
demonstrate a critical understanding of the academic study of these traditions and their categorisations.

Content:

This module builds upon the content of previous modules, focussing in further detail on the nuanced complexities of thought, practice and inter-religious relationships between major religious traditions. Particular attention is paid to the academic study of the relationship of religious belief and practice to the various socio-political contexts in the modern world, and the way internal variations in religious customs inform the landscape of the 21st century. Critical analysis is paid to the interaction between ethical and moral systems in each of these religions, as they relate to society at large, as well as the challenges of spiritual identity in a ‘multi-faith world’.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The course will be taught in plenary sessions which will make use of a blend of teaching and learning methods. These will normally include: lecture-style presentations by the tutor; seminar-style discussion of a particular topic; informal prepared presentations by students, followed by discussion; other exercises as appropriate to material and group. Guidance on reading in preparation for each session and activity will be given; and learning will be supported where appropriate by VLE and other electronic resources. Guidance on research and essay-writing will be embedded in the learning and teaching process throughout the module; and may also be supported by tutorial guidance on essay plans and drafts if required.

Lecture
Contact hours: 20

Seminar, group work, tutorial, etc
Contact hours: 20

Guided independent study
Hours: 160

Assessment: